Tuesday, February 28, 2006

We have a world where many individuals show no appreciation to others. They take things for granted. They are dependant on the fact that they feel they are owed things. They want nothing more than to live in a society where everything is 'free.'

It's been said, "You can catch more flies with sugar than vinegar." However, I've seen many individuals only reply on vinegar. If you want my respect, use sugar. Save the vinegar for your French fries.

Shall I remind you that respect is a two-way street, but apparently not for some.

While some may protest that respect is owed to them, you only get respect when you show respect.

I love my children, but being a parent can be so hard! It's not easy, but what in life is? You want the best of everything for your kids. When I decided to have children, I commited myself to them. That includes protecting them from the things that could harm them.

People said it would get easier when the children got older. Guess what, they lied. I'm not sure if I'll make it through the teen years with my sanity intact.

Today I had to make a descision that would affect my daughter's life. I won't get into the details, but I had to do what was best for my daughter. I had second thoughts, because I hated to see her cry. Part of my conscious told me that it was her life. The other part of my conscious told me that this isn’t healthy.

Eventually I had to put my foot down and be Mom. I knew that it would hurt and she might hate me for it. I was willing to accept the consequences. At the same time, I thought that by 18, she might talk to me again.

Then tonight she said something that made me cry. She said, “Mom I don't hate you for what you've done, I thank you for it."

While I know that I need to give her room to make choices and decisions, how do I prevent her from making unhealthy ones that will affect the rest of her life?

I hope that I'm able to help her become the beautiful, independent woman that I know she is capable of becoming.

It's not easy being Mom. I love my children but some days I wish I could go back and be the daughter.

Monday, February 27, 2006

My friend Pete once said to me," Do you know why the Dead Sea is dead?" I replied,"no why?" He said, "Well, because the water flows only one way. It does nothing but take, like many people we know. You are more like the Atlantic. You both take and give. Therefore you thrive and give life to others. Think of this analogy when ever you feel down and if anyone gives a damn."

It's nice to know that someone sees me as the Alantic. We can make a big difference in life. Our kind actions do affect others . Through giving, I've found that my life has meaning.

Goo Goo Ga Ga - Coochie Coochie Coo. Everyone has someone or something that helps them make it through tough times. The relief of pain through humor can make the difference in ones life. Laughter really does heal. Thank you to those who have helped me through some very trying situations. I greatly admire those who can make one laugh. You are a much needed ingredient in this recipe of life.

"I've made it because of you, the one who lifts me up, the voice who guides me through laughter and tears."

Oh, I almost forgot. The baby in the picture is my good online friend Gerald. Isn't he cute. Goo Goo Ga Ga - Coochie Coochie Coo. Laughter is the best medicine. Indeed!

Sunday, February 26, 2006

By now you have most likely heard the news that the great comedy actor Don Knotts , who kept generations of television audience laughing has died from lung cancer at age 81. Throughout the years Don Knotts gave us some wonderful characters like Deputy Barney Fife and Ralph Furley on such shows as ' The Andy Griffith Show' and 'Three's Company.' In recent years Don's voice could be heard in cartoons such as Chicken Little, where he played the voice of Mayor Turkey Lurkey. Don Knotts will be truly missed but his spirit will live on in laughter for generations to come.

The cover story of this week’s gossip magazine is titled “Thoughts and Considerations: trolls, flame wars, & cyberstalkers.” As the trolls prepare to launch their new blog, guess who is the staring attraction. Yes, you guessed it. Me!

Everyone gets a chance in the spotlight at some point in their lives; you can all have your turn as I'm done. I never subscribed to a certain individuals issues, but I have received a number of unwanted copies to their low readership gossip magazine, which met with my garbage disposal. I dispose such hatred.

Like dogs wagging their tongue, give them the alpo and they will come running. We as adults, go on with daily lives. Wining and complaining and holding grudges are for not social want to be yups.

They might try to ignore my opinion, but it is here. I’m behind the clouded view that they have made in their mind. Words and self hatred is a powerless weapon. When you take away their weapon, which is their very small audience, they become helpless.

Tomorrow in their world, nothing will change. I’ll still be on the cover of their gossip magazine, but I’ll smile and turn a deaf ear. Why? Because, I’m able to see the purpose that it serves. I hope that my blog readership will also be able to.

The two blogs in question are fine examples of trolling behavior . After viewing both of these blogs, I have come to the conclusion that neither of the blogs offer a single shred of substance to the blogging community.

They are nothing more than juvenile taunts. The purpose that both of these blogs serve is the individuals desire to win over their readership. Their primary focus is on how to convince their readership to believe as they do.

Those close to me know who I am and what I’m about. Let them have their say. Whatever is good for the ratings, I guess.

It's pointless to engage in a debate with either of these individuals. In my opinion while we may have a right to say whatever we want, we should not be given the right to say it wherever we want. I believe that blogs here at blogger.com should add some substance to the blog community and serve a purpose. Should you stumble upon these blogs, I encourage you not to respond. Not only do the trolls live under a bridge, they live under a dark cloud of dark cloud of denial that seems to loom over head whenever they blog about me.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Todays-Woman.net the writing community that connects writers from around the world in one virtual place is building a list of resources for writers. We’ve been working on the directory and all topics are not fully functional, but will be. As we continue to update the directory, more links will be added. We are working to build a valuable resource for writers and welcome your input. You can assist us by telling Today’s Woman Writing Community about your favorite resource. We may just add it to our directory.

In addition to the new Writer’s Resources , Today’s Woman Writing Community has just added a Blog Directory. Of course, all submissions are subject to Today’s Woman guidelines. If you wish to list your blog in our directory, please contact a member of staff through our feedback form. A staff member will review your submission to determine whether to include it in the directory. Today’s Woman Writing Community welcomes feedback. We would love to hear what you think about our new services. Todays-Woman.net has become one of the most visited writing communities on the internet. Ranked 6/10 by Google and 198,925 in Alexa, we continue to be the primary resource for writers, receiving an average of 7,197 to 10,276 hits a day. We are here to assist you.

On Thursday Google released the Google Page Creator, which is a free online tool that makes it easy for anyone to create a webpage regardless of technical knowledge . Google Page Creator, is still in beta testing and in order to use the free service you must have a Google account and a Gmail address. I just have one question. What will Google think of next? Google is definitely taking the internet by storm.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Just last week 60 new photos and a video were released by Australian TV show Dateline about the torture in the Abu Ghraib Prisonin Iraq. This is indeed disturbing. Many websites are publishing the photographs. I will not post them in my blog as they are very disturbing. I'm just so shocked by all of this. I would love to hear your opinion.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Bradford Publishing announces a book drive to benefit the Louisiana libraries beginning on Fat Tuesday, February 28, 2006. "Before the hurricanes we had 339 public libraries. Now 106 are either damaged or destroyed. There were 45 total collections damaged -- some completely or partially lost," says Rebecca Hamilton, State Librarian for Louisiana. "The libraries are funded by property taxes, which are paid by businesses and homeowners. But many of those businesses were destroyed. And many of those homeowners are not coming back." Full Story

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

There are many women and men in this world who have not established their role in society as adults. While the young boy may physically be maturing into a young man, until he takes responsibility for his actions, he is still a boy. Men don't run from their problems. A man faces what he has done. Although some males may feel that they are young men, truth is they are still boys. They will no doubt never become men. The saying is” Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” Just because you have matured physically into adulthood, it doesn't make you an adult. What separates the boy from the man - responsibility.

Wow, Ramblings of a Mad Writer has been getting lots of blog traffic. Thank you for your comments everyone; please continue to leave feedback.

I had no time for blogging yesterday. Life continues to be busy. I was this weeks featured business owner in 'Marketing Made Simple', which came out today. You can see my profile online at Valley Virtual Assists. The first contributions have been submitted to ' My Kids are Pigs' , seem them here.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Good Day, but Busy. I accomplished a whole bunch of work the past couple of days and feel great. My mind is where it should be and not on annoying distractions. Distractions like that mostquito that won't leave you alone. You know the one that keeps buzzing around your head until you squish it with a huge fly swatter before it sucks you dry. Ya those are the ones. Say Bye Bye to the annoying mosquito. "wicked grin"

Where was I? Oh ya, I’ve been busy making some drastic changes to Today’s Woman. In addition to that, my husband and I have some new projects under way. Where do I find the time? Thank goodness that I’m good at multi tasking. I was just informed that I’ve been made moderator of a forum. Unbelievable!

In addition, I’ve just joined http://www.activeauthors.com/ . I was very impressed with the layout of their website. I look forward to contributing articles.

Can you believe this? I’ve been accepted to contribute to “My Kids are Pigs.” I can’t wait to get started. I’m so excited that I just took a bunch of photos of my daughter’s bedroom.

Every now and then I do an online search on my name. Jody Kuchar gave me a compliment in her blog. Thank you Jody.

I received an email from Heather Jacobson founder of http://www.valleyva.net/ . Every week she features buisness owners in her newsletter that goes out to 300 + subscribers. On Tuesday she is featuring me. Thank you Heather. I'm flattered.

Smiling big- Flattery makes me happy. One of Today’s Woman contributing freelance writers was very impressed with the work that I do. He sent me a letter thanking me for being professional. Well if that doesn’t top of a great day, I don’t know what does. Thank you Ed.

Friday, February 17, 2006

ElementalGarden said...I pity you since you obviously haven't found your Prince Charming. In stead of finding the 'perfect man' (I agree, such a man does not exist), find the 'perfect for you man'. I found my Prince, and yes, he has flaws, but that's what makes him perfect for me. If he didn't have flaws, then he wouldn't be with me.

ElementalGarden, there is no such thing as perfect, therefore how can the perfect man exist. He doesn’t. I however am married to my soul mate and have been happily married for 17 years. I accept him for who he is. He isn’t perfect but neither am I.

He isn’t Prince Charming but that is ok because I’m not Cinderella. We are not living in a castle and there is no glass slipper.

We are living in a three bedroom house bringing up two teens. Between cooking, cleaning and playing referee to our teens, we still have time for romance. Life is good and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ps: I don't need to be pitied. I need a hot tub, a back rub and a weekend alone with my husband without the children.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

The perfect Prince Charming remains a character in the hearts of women every where. We all know the old modern day fairy tale where Cinderella meets Prince Charming and lives happy ever after. Life is perfect.

Happily ever after? Perfect prince? Wait, we women of today know this isn’t how the story goes. Do you suppose if Cinderella knew what she knew now, she would trade in her glass slipper?

There's a happy-ever-after-land, in the heart of every woman. You’re never too old to believe in the magic of finding that special someone. But love is more than sheer romance and since it is, don’t let yourself get trapped in a world of myths. Life is about more than waiting for that prince. Read more

If you are looking for a funny romantic comedy, I recommend 'Must love Dogs.' Diane Lane and John Cusack are at their best in this humorous romantic comedy. You'll want to watch it again and again. I'm surprised at the negative reviews that this movie has on Amazon, as I absolutely loved the movie. It's a very sweet romantic comedy!! If you like romantic comedies , you'll want to see 'Must love Dogs.'

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Sunday, February 12, 2006

A poem written by Orin D Griffin entitled "The Childs Eye" reminded me that children see the world differently than adults do. As adults we become blinded by fear. When we look out our window, we see suffering caused by man’s deliberate actions; therefore we are unable to see the beauty in God's tapestry. When children view the world, they admire the allurement of life. Children stop to admire the beauty of a rainbow, pick dandelions from the backyard, and play in mud puddles. To a child, the world is one of discovery and learning. From a child’s perspective, the world that they live in is a beautiful place. A child does not worry about tomorrow; they only live for today. Children can be wonderful teachers. We only need to listen. It’s never too late to live your life differently. Today view the world through the eyes of a child.

W32.IRCBot.I is a back door Trojan horse that connects to a remote IRC server and awaits commands from a remote attacker.

Computer users should be aware of a computer virus called "The Campus Life Email Virus." It spreads vie email with the subject Campus Life or Campus Life Article. The email that comes from 'Joseph Hope' states that they have been thinking of including you in a new campus magazine in an article headed "Campus Life."

Do not open attachment and delete the message.

Message body: Hello,We are planning to include you in the new campus magazine in an article titled "Campus Life". Can you approve the photo and article for us before we go to printing please? If any details are wrong then we can amend before printing on Wednesday the 1st of February so please get back to us as soon as possible. We have attached the photo and article.Many Thanks & Best Regards,Joseph HopeEditor**************************Please respond before February 1st to ensure we have time to edit!

Instructions for removing the virus from your computer can be found at symantec.com .

All of my graphic design has been trial and error. I recommend PSP for the beginner in graphics design. I taught myself paint shop pro and in my opinion, I find it by far easier to use than Photoshop. Since I don't have a lot of time to play around with it, I get creative whenever I can. Here are my latest creations. Mind you, I was just playing around.

Friday, February 10, 2006

At Sketch Swap http://www.sketchswap.com/ you can doodle a sketch, submit it and get someone else's sketch in return. This was a lot of fun but then I’m easily amused. As you can see by my drawing, I'm no artist.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

I’ve been busy building some free headers for my husband’s website invision-graphics.com. I also designed two custom headers for my chilren to use in their blogs and Shawn is giving Todays-woman.net a make over. So I’ve been busy designing new graphics and banners for the site . I also have a customer banner to design for an ad client but she’s not too sure what she looking for. You can see the rest of my work in my portfolio on invision-graphics.com. I do custom designs, so if you are looking for something in particular, please feel free to email me.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

I lost my mother December 2nd 2004, after her long battle with diabetes. My mother was a strong, unselfish, funny, caring, and loving woman. She would never turn anyone away if they needed support. She was always there for me. She was the wind that guided me across a stormy sea.

Over the years, however, diabetes took its toll. She developed kidney and hearts problems and had a stroke that left her confine to a wheel chair.

We had always been close and her health had slowly declined over the course of four years. I watched diabetes take her from a 180 lb woman to a 90 lb woman.

My mother fought hard through her battle with diabetes and I was there every step of the way. It was hard to watch her endure such pain and suffering. Many times I felt helpless though just having me there was enough to give her the strength that she needed to fight.

Every time the phone rang, I thought “don’t let her died.” I don’t know if I was being selfish but I wanted my mother to live, despite knowing that she was in a great deal of pain.

I just wasn’t ready to let her go.

Being with my mother through those few years was a time of great love. It has made me look at my life differently. It made me see my husband and my children differently. I now know the true meaning of family, love, and responsibility.

My mother had a tremendous amount of courage. Her life stretched out past her doctor’s prognosis. Even the doctors couldn’t understand what gave her the willpower to keep fighting and living.

It was the relationship of mother and daughter. The close bond that we shared made her fight.

Through all my mother’s pain and suffering though, I realize that even I couldn’t understand the full extent to what she was going through or what she was thinking. I do know that she loved me and needed me as much as I love and needed her.

When I got the call on December 2nd, I knew that the night I was dreading had arrived. I rushed to be by her side at the hospital. When I entered the hospital room, it took everything in me not to cry at that moment. I talked to her and stroked her hand, telling her that God was with us, that I would be ok and that she didn’t need to fight anymore.

She looked at my brother, my husband and then into my eyes. Though she couldn’t speak, I knew she was saying “I love you, be strong.” She looked towards the hospital ceiling and then she was gone.

My tears flowed at that moment, just like they are flowing now. Those last moments in the hospital room will remain with me as long as I live.

I can't describe the pain that I still feel when I think about my Mother.

My mother taught me so much about life. She really did have the recipe for the good life. I always took refuge under her wings. With her I felt safe and loved. My brother describes our relationship as “never letting go of Mommy's apron strings." I hate to admit it but he is right.

Like everything else in life, death is not easy to accept. There are no wrong reactions to death and everyone grieves differently. No one can tell you that they understand or how long you should grieve or that they are in a better place.

Reactions can change from hours, to days, to weeks, to months. At one moment you think that you have it all together and the next moment, you find yourself crying and needing for someone, anyone to listen.

My mother played a big role in my life. I miss her. I would give anything to pick up the phone and just hear her voice on the other end. But that isn’t going to happen. I will always have my memories. Death does not take those away, which brings me to my thought of the day.

Quote: “Love is stronger then death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.”

Monday, February 06, 2006

I've been using Paint Shop Pro for eleven years, starting with version six. I've used it to create graphics for many personal and commercial websites. Paint Shop Pro is a wonderful photo/design program. My only complaint is that I don't get enough time to play around in it. Here is a custom header that I designed for my blog in Paint Shop Pro. The header graphic is from a royality free Paint Shop Pro tube. The background is from Senor Dominey's Scribe template. The design was created by yours truly.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

While waiting to see the doctor, I was reading an article in Time magazine on the subject of force abortions in China. In an attempt to control population, China has a one child policy, which was established in 1979. This policy has now had a negative effect as women are being forced to undergo sterilizations and abortions.

In the article that I was reading, women spoke of how they were held down and doctors stuck them with needles to induce abortion. Some women were in their eighth month of pregnancy. One woman spoke of how a group of men penned her down and injected a poison filled needle into her stomach. After the baby was delivered, to insure that she was dead, they held the baby in a bucket of water that was next to the bed.

I had no idea that forced abortions were taking place in China. This is such a tragedy. It is insane and if you ask me, very, very sad and inhuman.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

They say that Mothers have an intuition and maybe they do. In 1992, I had a dream that my daughter was going to die. That night I woke to my husband screams, she had stopped breathing. That was the beginning to what would become a mother’s worst nightmare. A few weeks later she passed away during open heart surgery. The day that she died, I prayed with my heart and soul for God not to take her, but he did. Call it Mother's intuition, call it a six sense, I don’t really care what you call it, but I just had this feeling that she was going to die.

My daughter Katie was only given to me for a little while, but the love that she brought to my life will last a lifetime.

Through my children I've learned to embrace each day. So clearly in my mind, I still see my daughter’s face. In such a short time I experienced joy and sorrow. I know in my heart the lesson God was trying to teach me.

Cherish your children, never take them for granted, enjoy each day that you spend with them and most important of all tuck them in bed each night for as long as they will let you, because children grow up too quickly.